Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a promising way to achieve CO2 fixation and energy storage. However, it is a challenge to develop the potential electrocatalysts with excellent performance and selectivity. Herein, bismuth nanosheet arrays (Bi/CC-17) are prepared through an in situ electrochemical transformation strategy by use of Bi-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as the precursors, which are then attached on carbon cloth. The as-synthesized Bi/CC-17 nanosheet arrays achieve considerable partial current density of 45 mA cm−2 and remarkably high faradic efficiency of 98 % at the potential of −1.1 V versus RHE for the conversion of CO2 to formate, outperforming most previously reported electrocatalysts. In particular, the solar-driven In2O3/In2S3∥Bi two-electrode system with a In2O3/In2S3-based photoanode and typical Bi-based cathode achieves high faradaic efficiencies of ≥90 % for HCOOH formation, from −0.6 to −1.6 V versus the counter electrode (vs. CE). This work paves an avenue to develop MOF-derived electrocatalysts for sustainable conversion of CO2 into valuable chemicals.